For those wondering why there are increasing conflicts between pro-nation state China and pro-HK folks, it is due to different understandings and beliefs of what the #HongKongProtests are about:
1. Belief in ethnic and cultural unity as a collective supersedes individualism.
1. Belief in ethnic and cultural unity as a collective supersedes individualism.
Geopolitical reasons aside, this belief by mainland nationalists is also one of the key reasoning why they lay “claim” to Taiwan. Sorry, let alone how Taiwan is culturally and ethnically diverse, along with active reconciliation efforts toward aboriginal peoples on the island,
The #HongKongProtests isn’t a movement to break away from China. It’s #5DemandsNotOneLess, not a separatist movement.
What has been developing since before the #umbrellamovement is a fight to retain cultural and language rights as HK peoples, including Cantonese and HK culture.
What has been developing since before the #umbrellamovement is a fight to retain cultural and language rights as HK peoples, including Cantonese and HK culture.
Notably, the HKer identity is beyond just Han Chinese. So it is interesting to hear the argument “aren’t you ‘Chinese’? (so why are you protesting).”
Blanket term being used to fuel nationalism is harmful. Is it heritage? Ethnicity? Culture? Geopolitical affiliation?
Blanket term being used to fuel nationalism is harmful. Is it heritage? Ethnicity? Culture? Geopolitical affiliation?
This nationalism based identity is also employed by Beijing to attempt to silence the west when media and people not Chinese weigh in: by saying how it is a intra “Chinese” issue and others should stay out of it.
This is what scares me about nationalism: ethnic &cultural unity as rationale to justify atrocious acts against minority groups, including indigenous ppls.
Now w/ HK, a rationale to quell the fight against the erosions of freedoms that were promised under the SB declaration.
Now w/ HK, a rationale to quell the fight against the erosions of freedoms that were promised under the SB declaration.
This belief is possible when your nation state controls your media, your education system, and even citizen comms channels such as social media. We’ve seen this in imperial and colonial histories and states with this a sophisticated 21st century version.
Next point:
Next point:
2. Blind nationalism that’s been taught combined with limited access to information/access to only biased and state controlled info leads to reactions based on assumptions and misinformation.
Plus, believing/knowing that differing opinions are treacherous and punishable.
Plus, believing/knowing that differing opinions are treacherous and punishable.
Compare this to HK, which has operated under freedoms and a democratic system where public expressions of differing opinions are the norm, the erosion of freedoms and assault on HK democracy is what led to the #umbrellamovement and now #HongKongProtests.
Escalation of tactics that includes blockades to shut down the city and property destruction are selective and justified when your “democratic” government turns on you and refuses to listen and even negotiate on the peoples demands. Still no answer to MILLIONS that protest.
For those who (only) access Beijing sanctioned comms channels and grew up under the regime that punishes free thought and critical thinking, the #HongKongProtests are unfathomable acts of treason, disrespectful toward the motherland, and embarrassing “us” on the global stage.
This is in context of active misinformation campaigns on various CCP interests, including what we are seeing now to smear the #HongKongProtests.
The destructions of #LennonWall s by nationalists is a reflection of what they know: punish and attack political dissent.
The destructions of #LennonWall s by nationalists is a reflection of what they know: punish and attack political dissent.
Where as #HongKongprotestors and those who support them are organizing in ways they know: freedom of expression (including art, which is and should be political), freedoms to assemble, and holding governments to account for justice and human rights.
What’s been interesting to me, as an active participant and chronicler of local actions... one side is antagonistic by its definition while the other is mobilizing for collective action. The former doesn’t exist without the latter.
Hong Kongers are not exaggerating in how they say they are at the front lines of defending democracy. It’s been a long summer and over the 18 weeks of #HongKongProtests, HK will never be the same but yet they fight.
Super complex dynamics but a quick explainer for y’all. ✌️
Super complex dynamics but a quick explainer for y’all. ✌️
